KNYSNA NEWS - Local award-winning entrepreneur Cecilia Roelf took centre stage at the Voice & Choice Summit and Awards held in Johannesburg last week, where she was named first runner-up in the Established Business category.
Awards were presented across several categories, including Stories of Change, Leadership, Organisational Excellence, and Change Strategy, recognising initiatives that are transforming communities, influencing public policy, and strengthening institutions that advance gender justice.
Cecilia Roelf
Roelf, who has managed a printing and secretarial services company since 2024, was among more than 200 activists, community leaders, entrepreneurs and media representatives from at least eight countries who gathered for the high-profile event.
Roelf was deeply grateful for the support from her community who stood by her during difficult times.
"Before 2024, I was unemployed, which makes this achievement even more meaningful," she said. "I also want to thank my husband and children for their support and for staying up late with me while I worked. My husband also came up with the name of the business. A special word of thanks goes to Knysna Press and Blitsdruk for their quick response in preparing banners in record time. This award reflects the many late nights and long hours I have dedicated to building my business."
Fagmeeda Bezuidenhout
Roelf also played a key role in supporting fellow honouree Fagmeeda Bezuidenhout, a resident of Kanonkop, who was the winner in the Start-up category. Her enterprise was recognised for its entrepreneurial innovation and contribution to local economic empowerment, particularly in creating opportunities for women in business support services. Bezuidenhout runs a small business supplying basic food hampers tailored to the specific needs of her community.
Gender equality celebrated
A major highlight of the three-day gathering was the celebration of Gender Links' 25th anniversary, marking a quarter century of advancing gender justice and promoting equal rights for women across Southern Africa.
The summit took place amid growing global resistance to gender equality initiatives, with increasing pushback against women's rights, diversity and inclusion programmes in several regions. Against this challenging backdrop, the Voice & Choice Summit provided a vital platform for grassroots changemakers to share solutions, strengthen partnerships, and inspire collective action.
The event concluded with a gala and awards ceremony where those who are making significant contributions toward gender equality across the region were honoured.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
